Late Roman Jewelry

Gold and nicolo ring

Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Gift of John Taylor Johnston, 1881

The bezel contains a nicolo gem (Nicolo is a cameo or intaglio that is carved in onyx in such a way that the image displays a translucent bluish/grey color. This thin top layer of design lays atop a thicker layer of black material that shows through, imbuing the design with the characteristic tint of blue.) carved in the cameo technique and inscribed in Greek: Good luck, Eusebius. Such expressions, including the names of private individuals, are often found on Late Roman rings, indicating that they were probably meant as lucky charms. This ring clearly belonged to a child.

Gold and beryl ring

Roman, late 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Purchased by subscription, 1895

Pair of gold earrings with garnet pendants

Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Purchase, 1897

The openwork disks and multiple pendants are typical features of later Roman jewelry. The central rosettes and lower ends of the pendants were once probably strung with pearls. Between these two elements are addorsed (set, or turned back to back as in heraldry) dolphins, another very popular motif in this period.

Gold necklace with coin pendants

Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917

Two openwork pendants are suspended from a double chain of figure-of-eight loops. Each pendant is set with an aureua (gold coin) of the Emperor Alexander Severus (r. A.D. 222-235). Their different sizes and the second spacer suggest that additional pendants are now missing from the chain. The use of coins in jewelry became very fashionable in the third century and persisted until the early seventh century.

Gold ring with carnelian intaglio

Roman, 3rd century A.D.

Bequest of Rupert L. Joseph, 1960

The massive cast hoop of the ring is typical of late Roman jewelry. The intaglio is inscribed with the Latin names "Derisor" and "Leukadia", and the scene may represent a trainer with a bear. Performing bears were a common sight in the Balkans and Anatolia until recent times.

Gold triple finger ring

Roman, Syrian, 3rd-4th century A.D.

Purchase, Deanna Anderson Gift and funds from various donors, 2002

This ring exemplifies a flamboyant type of costume jewelry especially popular in the eastern half of the Roman Empire. The three finger bands support five colorful settings, containing pearls, glass imitation gems, and a central green bead (a modern replacement).

Gold solidus of Postumus set in an ancient mount

POSTVMVS PIVS FELIX AVG, busts of the emperor and Hercules/HERCVLI NEMAEO, Hercules wrestling the Nemean lion

Cologne, A.D. 266

Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius II

Solidus, Constantinopolis 423–429, AV 4.48 g. AEL PVLCH – ERIA AVG Pearl-diademed, draped bust r., wearing double necklace and earrings, crowned by the Manus Dei. Rev. VOT XX – MVLT XXX I Victory standing l., supporting long jewelled cross on top of which star; in exergue, CONOB. RIC Th. II 220. MIRB 19b. LRC 439 var. (different officina letter). Depeyrot 75/3.

Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Virtually as struck and almost Fdc Privately purchased from M&M.

NAC75, 383

Fausta, second wife of Constantine

Solidus, Thessalonica 324, AV 4.41 g. FLAV MAX – FAVSTA AVG Draped bust r. Rev. SPES REIP – VBLICAE Empress, veiled, standing l. and holding two children in her arms; in exergue, SMTSA. C 14. RIC 137 (this officina unlisted). Alföldi 505 var. (this officina unlisted). Depeyrot 10/4.

Extremely rare and among the finest specimens known. A fantastic portrait of fine style,

good extremely fine

As the younger daughter of the emperor Maximian, Fausta was born into a political existence. While still a child – perhaps even an infant – she was betrothed to Constantine, the son of her fathers Caesar, Constantius. It was a classic political union made long before Fausta was eligible for marriage. When she eventually married Constantine in 307, it was, again, a matter of political opportunism: Constantine had taken control of the Western provinces after his fathers death, and Faustas father, Maximian, now co-ruler with his son in Italy, was in need of an ally. By this time Fausta would have reached an appropriate age for marriage – probably between 15 and 18 years old – yet she was still much younger than her husband, who was perhaps 35 years old and who already had a grown child from a previous union.

During the first decade of their marriage they produced no children, but thereafter Fausta gave birth to five children who grew to maturity. Three were boys, all of whom succeeded Constantine upon his death in 337. But in the early stages of their lives a more prominent character, Constantines first son Crispus, must have been considered most likely to succeed, for he was substantially older than Faustas sons and he was popular with the army. With this in mind, there is good reason to believe that Fausta was opposed to the promotion of her stepson Crispus, fearing her own sons would suffer as a result.

The outcome of this irreconcilable state of affairs was a family tragedy in 326, less than two years after Constantine and Crispus had combined efforts to eliminate their last rival, Licinius. In the summer or fall of 326 two executions occurred in quick succession: Crispus was killed after a swift trial on charges that remain a mystery, and Fausta was suffocated in a steam bath for reasons that are not known, but are rightly associated with the execution of Crispus. Constantine suppressed the facts in these cases, and there was no official account of their deaths. Indeed, by the end of the 4th century John Chrysostom (Ep. ad Philipp., 4, 15, 5) apparently believed Fausta had died in the amphitheater, where she was devoured by wild beasts.

But this solidus was struck at a happier time, soon after the title of Augusta was awarded to Fausta and her mother-in-law Helena, seemingly on November 8, 324. Prior to this event, both women possessed the lesser title Nobilissima Femina, and, except for a special issue of silver half-argentei for Fausta at her wedding in 307, their coinage had been limited to a single issue of billon coins struck c. 318 to 319 at Thessalonica.

The new coinage for Fausta and Helena was produced on a grand scale at mints across the empire, and this time it included gold solidi and medallions. Constantine was careful to distinguish the presumed roles of his wife and mother by identifying Helena with securitas publica (the "well-being of the State") and Fausta with salus publica and spes publica (the "health of the State" and the "hope of the State"). Both of Faustas types reflect her role of motherhood, for the health and the hope of the empire, simultaneously, were seen as essential elements of the well-being and success of the Constantinian dynasty.

NAC51, 429

Octavian. 32-31/29 BC. AV Aureus (7.74 g, 6h). Italian (Rome?) mint. Bare head right / CAESAR • DIVI • F below, equestrian statue of Octavian, bareheaded and nude to the waist, on horseback, galloping left, his right hand raised. RIC I 262; CRI 394; Calicó 187; BMCRE 94 = BMCRR Rome 4325-6; BN 82-4.

The gold aureus dated back only to the time of Sulla, circa 80 BC. During the Republican and Imperatorial periods, issues of aurei were associated almost exclusively with military activity and were usually produced by travelling mints under the authority of commanders in the field. Augustus transformed the aureus into an integral part of his currency system. It was produced by virtually all of his successors, until it was replaced by Constantine’s solidus some three centuries later. cngcoins.com

Raiden (雷電), real name Jack, was a Liberian-American mercenary and former special forces soldier. Previously a child soldier under Solidus Snake, Raiden was later selected by the Patriots to test the S3 Plan at the Big Shell, as a new recruit to the reformed FOXHOUND unit.Jack was born on a rainy day in Liberia. During his youth, in the turbulent period that was the Liberian Civil War, Jack was adopted by Solidus Snake, who became his godfather after he killed his parents. Jack was subsequently raised as a child soldier and later fought in the country's Civil War in 1989. He and other children were shown Hollywood action films daily for "image training," and were given food mixed with gunpowder containing toluene to make them more controllable. On one occasion, Jack was injected with an unknown substance during a physician's experiment. On another, Jack witnessed Solidus demonstrate to him that blades were a "noble weapon" compared to guns, by slitting another soldier's throat in front of him. Under Solidus Snake, Jack became a killing machine, known alternately as the "White Devil" and "Jack the Ripper" due to his incredibly high kill rate compared to other boys his age, as well as a reference to his being one of the few Caucasians born in Liberia. Armed with a gun at the age of six (he would later remember it as an AK rifle), as well as a knife, he proved to be a superior soldier, rising to become captain of the Small Boy Unit at ten. His skills with a bladed weapon, as well as his cruelty in dispatching enemies with them, was another reason for his "Ripper" nickname.

Byzance

Or

1/ Solidus Maurice Tiberius, 582-602, atelier de Constantinople. Buste cuirassé de l'empereur de face, coiffé du casque au plumet et tenant le globe croisé.

2/ Tremissis Maurice Tiberius, 582-602, atelier de Constantinople. Buste de l'empereur à droite diadémé et cuirassé.

Pièces de monnaie présentées sur www.le-maf.com, dans la salle "Archéologie et Histoire", "Numismatique".

Closed for more than 15 years, the Armenian Museum of France is fighting to re-open. Please join the cause on the museum's facebook page.

www.facebook.com/ArmenianMuseumOfFrance

BYZANCE, Constant II (641-668). Solidus (4,20 g.) de Rome (officine I) aux bustes de l empereur et de Constantin IV. R/ Croix sur trois degrés et deux différents à droite dans le champ. A comparer avec Morrisson (catalogue B.N.). Monnaie d une très grande rareté (connue à moins de dix exemplaires) de haut relief et superbe, avec une légère trace de pliage à gauche de l empereur.

Helena. Augusta, AD 324-328/30. AV Solidus (19mm, 4.42 g, 12h). Sirmium mint. Struck under Constantine I, AD 324-325. FL HELENA AVGVSTA, diademed and mantled bust right, wearing necklace / SECVRITAS REIPVBLICE, Helena, veiled and robed, standing left, holding lowered branch in right hand and gathering up hem of robe in left; SIRM. RIC VII 60; Alföldi 464; Depeyrot 9/6 corr. (rev. legend); Calicó –. EF, underlying luster. Very rare.

CNG93, 1260

JOVINUS. 411-413 AD. AV Solidus (4.43 gm). Arelate (Arles) mint. D N IOVIN-VS P F AVG, pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / RESTITV-TOR REIP, Jovinus standing right, resting left foot on captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe; A-R/KOMOB. RIC X 1708 var. (COMOB mintmark); Depeyrot 23/2 var. (same); DOCLR -. Superb EF. Extremely rare and unpublished with this mintmark.

From the William H. Williams Collection. Ex Dürr & Michel (8 November 1999), lot 116; Leu 7 (9 May 1973), lot 453.

The KOMOB form of mintmark is only known on Constantinople mint solidi of Honorius and Constantine III.

Jovinus was a Gallo-Roman noble who, with the support of Burgundians, Alamanni, and Franks, usurped power in Gaul during the autumn of 411. Virtually nothing is known of Jovinus' short reign, although it is apparent that he enjoyed substantial support as he controlled the three mints of Lugdunum, Treveri, and Arelate. In 412, he proclaimed his brother Sebastian co-emperor, but before the end of the following year, they were both dead as a result of the treachery of the Goth Athulfus.

ImaginesImperatorvm, 382

Valentinian I (364-375), Constantinople, Roman Empire. National Museum of Serbia (Народни музеј Србије / Narodni muzej Srbije), Republic Square, Belgrade, Serbia. Трг републике, Београд, Србија.

Procopius, 365 – 366

Solidus, Cyzicus 365-366, AV 4.31 g. D N PROCO – PIVS P F AVG Pearl and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. REPARATI – O FEL TEMP Procopius standing facing, head r., holding spear in r. hand and resting l. on shield. In exergue, SMKΔ. C 5. Depeyrot 5/1 and pl. 28, 5/1 (this coin illustrated). RIC 1.

Extremely rare and among the finest specimens known. A portrait of superb style

and one of the best example of Roman portraiture of this period.

Well struck on a full flan and good extremely fine Ex Canessa 28 June 1923, Caruso 604 and NAC 54, 2010, 642 sales. In Procopius we have one of the more legitimate rebels in Roman history. When Julian II was killed in battle against the Persians in the summer of 363, it was Procopius, a relative of Julian II and one of his campaign commanders, who bore his body back to Cilicia for burial. Futhermore, it was rumoured that he had been named successor. Despite all this, the divided army did not recognize Procopius’ claim and selected Jovian, who seems to have been neutral in the east-west divide within the ranks. Another reason Procopius might have been denied was his probable sympathy toward paganism, which we might presume from his close association with Julian and his choice to wear a beard. Because of his prominence, Procopius was in grave danger and so went into hiding, emerging only when the new eastern emperor Valens was travelling to Syria. Much was working in favour of Procopius: not only was Valens far away, but the locals in Constantinopolis were desperate for relief from Petronius, the corrupt father-in-law of Valens who had been left behind in command. Procopius’ revolt was easily sparked, but proved impossible to maintain. The contemporary historian Ammianus reports that Procopius tried to extend his rule into the strategically important Illyricum through the offer of an ‘accession donative’, but apparently even this failed. With the passage of time Procopius’ support in the army eroded until he left the capital with what remained of his army to confront Valens. The pitched battle Procopius no doubt considered his only chance for survival never materialized, as he was handed over to Valens after the ‘battle of Nacolia’ in the summer of 366 and was executed.

NAC75, 352

Phocas. 602-610. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.44 g, 6h). Ravenna mint. Dated RY 1 (AD 602/3). DN FOCAS PERP AVG, crowned, draped, and cuirassed facing bust, holding globus cruciger in right hand / VICTORI A AVCC, angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by staurogram in right hand and globusm cruciger in left; P//CONOB. DOC –; MIBE 45a var. (unlisted year); Ranieri 507; SB 698 var. (shape of E in legend). EF, spot of red ink on obverse. Rare.

CNGTRITONXVII, 838

Solidus 409-410, AV 4.45 g. PRISCVS ATTA – LVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. INVICTA RO – MA AETERNA Roma seated facing on throne, holding Victory on globe and reversed spear; in field, R – M and in exergue COMOB. C 3. RIC 1404 (these dies). Depeyrot 39/1. LRC 812.

Extremely rare and among the finest specimens known.

Well struck on a full flan and extremely fine

Ex Hess-Leu sale 15, 1960, 419.

The Roman world was at risk of extinction in 409 when Visigoths under king Alaric occupied Italy, captured Romes granaries and laid siege to the great, walled capital. Faced with eventual starvation, the senate cooperated by electing one of their own members, Priscus Attalus, as emperor in opposition to Honorius, whose court was based in Ravenna. Attalus, a senator of Ionian Greek extraction, was known to Alaric, for in the previous year he had been the senates representative in negotiations with the king. Since he was a pagan, Attalus had to be baptized before he could be crowned.

In the following year, 410, Alaric led part of his army north to challenge Honorius in Ravenna, but his venture failed and the Vandal king returned to Rome. In June he deposed Attalus (who was pardoned by Honorius), and late in August he led his armies into Rome, sacking the great city for three days, August 24 through 26. Every portable item of value, including hostages such as Priscus Attalus and the emperors half-sister Galla Placidia, was taken.

Attalus remained a prisoner of the Visigoths until he was again hailed emperor against Honorius in 415 by Alarics successor Athaulf. His second reign was based in Gaul, not Rome, and it was equally brief. Attalus career as puppet emperor of the Goths ended in the spring of 416 when he was captured by Honorius soldiers and taken to Rome to be paraded through the streets. He was then banished to the Lipari islands where he lived out the rest of his days, having been relieved of his right thumb and forefinger in a symbolic gesture against any future revolt.

NAC51, 451

The Postcard

A postally unused postcard bearing no publisher's name.

The Westcliff sea water swimming pool at Southend-on-Sea was opened in 1915, and for many years it was the most popular attraction along the Western Esplanade.

Although the pool is no more, it is well-known by a generation of current adults as it was regularly used for school tournaments.

Originally sea water was piped directly from the sea into the pool, but by 1936 a new filtering and heating system was in operation.

In 1936, the Westcliff Pool was promoted as follows:

"Corporation Sea Water Swimming Bath.

This magnificent swimming bath is 300ft.x75ft.

Special floodlighting and midnight bathing

parties a popular feature.

Diving platforms, chutes, spring boards,

rafts, etc. etc.

Shower and warm plunge baths and every

convenience for both sexes.

240 separate dressing boxes for ladies

and gentlemen.

Area of water 21,000 square feet.

Facing due south is the sun terrace,

350 feet long replete with mattresses,

rest chairs and every comfort.

Refreshments always available at the

Sun Kiosk on the terrace.

The combined facilities for seawater

and sun bathing are second to none

in the country.

Admission 6d, children 3d.

Bathing cap 2d, towel 1d., costume 1d.

Book of tickets (12) 5s. (6) 2s. 6d.

Season Tickets: Adults 1 guinea,

16s. 6d. children.

Family, 15s. each adult, 7s. 6d.

each child".

Pre-Decimal Currency

The UK 'went decimal' on the 15th. February 1971. (1971 is often called the 'Year of the Con' because manufacturers and retailers used the changeover to increase their prices).

Pre-decimalisation money (L S D) was divided into pounds (£/L), shillings (s.) and pennies (d.).

'L S D' also stands for the hallucinogenic drug Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, but in this context it stands for the Latin words 'Libra', 'Solidus' and 'Denarius'. The coinage was as follows:

- 20 shillings (s.) in £1 (L)

- 12 pennies (d.) in 1 shilling (s.)

- 240 pennies in £1

- 480 halfpennies in £1

- 960 farthings in £1

The £ was represented by a printed note, and there was also a 10-shilling note.

A 'Guinea' (beloved of private medical consultants and solicitors) was 21 shillings - a way of extracting an additional 5% from the patient or client.

-- The British Pound and Inflation

The British pound has lost 94% its value since 1971, such that £100 in 1971 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £1,806 today. The pound has had an average inflation rate of 5.51% per year between 1971 and today.

This means that today's prices are 18 times as high as average prices since 1971, according to the Office for National Statistics. A pound today only buys 5.54% of what it could buy back then.

Fate of the Pool

The pool was closed to the bathing public in October 1969.

It was turned into a dolphinarium in 1970, but the project did not last long, and the site was sold to Brent Walker who developed the area into the Westcliff Leisure Centre and then the Westcliff Casino.

After a further renaming, the footprint of the pool is now occupied by Maxim's Casino.

The Pool's Outer Walls

The original outer walls of the pool survive to this day - these are the curved walls built in a wave shape in order to break the power of incoming sea waves.

At their thickest these walls are approx. 26 feet thick at their base, with only half their height visible above ground - the other half is sunk in a continuing curve below the mud.

The Catenary Curve

Two ropes are hanging across the pool within reaching distance.

If anyone's interested, if nothing is hanging on a rope strung between two points, it adopts the shape of a catenary curve.

The catenary curve has a U-like shape, superficially similar in appearance to a parabola, but it isn't a parabola.

The mathematical properties of the catenary curve were first studied by Robert Hooke in the 1670's, and its equation was derived by Leibniz, Huygens and Johann Bernoulli in 1691.

The Use of Catenary Arches

Inverted catenaries are used in architecture and engineering when designing bridges and arches, so that internal forces do not create stresses within the structure.

Catenary arches are also often used in the construction of kilns.

Sir Christopher Wren incorporated the catenary arch into the design of the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Antoni Gaudi employed a series of catenary arches in 1906 to support the roof of Casa Milà, a modernist residential building in Barcelona. It is popularly known as La Pedrera or 'The Stone Quarry', because of its unconventional rough-hewn appearance.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is a 'weighted catenary' - its shape corresponds to the shape of a chain having lighter links in the middle.

Licinia Eudoxia, wife of Valentinian III

Solidus, Ravenna after 439, AV 4.41 g. D N ELIA EVDO – XIA P F AVG Pearl-diademed and draped bust r. cross over shoulder. Rev. BONO – REI PVBLICAE R – V Victory standing l., supporting long jewelled cross; in upper field, star. In exergue, COMOB. C –. RIC –. LRC –. Depeyrot –. Ranieri 115 (this coin).

Of the highest rarity, apparently the only specimen known. Insignificant

metal flaw on obverse, otherwise good extremely fine

As the only daughter of the eastern emperor Theodosius II and the wife of the western emperor Valentinian III, Licinia Eudoxia was not only Augusta, but possessed the finest pedigree in the 5th Century Roman world.

After nearly two decades of marriage, Eudoxia’s husband, Valentinian III, was murdered in a palace coup in 455. The chamberlain Petronius Maximus emerged as the next emperor, and in doing so forced the widow Eudoxia to marry him. Desperate for a solution, Eudoxia is thought to have summoned help from the Vandal king Gaiseric. Considering her eldest daughter was engaged to one of Gaiseric’s sons, she may have thought she was exercising good judgment, but it was a harmful invitation.

Gaiseric responded quickly, and in less than three months a Vandal army was headed for Italy. While attempting to flee Rome after a reign of only 76 days, Petronius Maximus was murdered by an angry mob. The Vandals then sacked Rome for more than two weeks, taking anything of value they could find, including Eudoxia and her two daughters, whom they took as captives.

The three Imperial women remained hostage in Carthage for the next seven years, until their release was secured through a large payment by the Eastern emperor Leo I. Whether Eudoxia first returned to Rome or Constantinople is not known, but she is thought to have lived in Constantinople until about age 70. It is surprising that Eudoxia made her appeal to the Vandals, as only five years earlier she personally witnessed how her sister-in-law Honoria (also an empress facing a forced marriage) had summoned help from Attilla the Hun, which resulted in a devastating Hunnic invasion that nearly ended with the sack of Rome.

The reverse of this solidus, inscribed BONO REIPVBLICAE (Bono Reipublicae nata: ‘born for the good of the state’), represents a common acclamation formula that seldom is used for coins, though it earlier had appeared in full form on coins struck by the usurper Magnus Maximus (383-388) for his son, Flavius Victor.

There seems to be no agreement concerning which late Roman women issued solidi with this reverse: Honoria is acknowledged in both Dumbarton Oaks and RIC, but Licinia Eudoxia is denied in both. A solidus of Eudoxia’s mother-in- law Galla Placidia is listed in the Hunterian collection (pl. 90, no. 1), but is not described in Dumbarton Oaks or RIC. The present specimen has three diadem tails, different than the four diadem tails considered diagnostic for a suspected Eudoxia invention attributed to Cigoi.

NAC59, 1204

Euphemia, wife of Anthemius

d=23 mm

Solidus 467, AV 4.49 g. D N AEL MARC EVFEMIAE PERP AVG Pearl-diademed and draped bust r. Rev. VICTORI – A AVGGGá Victory standing l., holding long jewelled cross; in exergue, COMOB. RIC 2827. C 1. Lacam 148. Depeyrot 66/1. Mazzini 1 (this coin). Jameson 415 (this coin)

Excessively rare, only very few specimens known. Usual areas of weakness,

otherwise good extremely fine

Ex Hirsch V, 1898, 1112; Hirsch XXIX, Lambros, 1575 and Hess-Leu 17, 1961, E.S.R. sammlung, 476 sales. From the Mazzini and Jameson collections.

Aelia Euphemia provides us another example of the importance of royal women in Late Roman society. Like most royal ladies, Euphemia was used as a pawn in dynastic arrangements to further the affairs of state. Despite her nobility, surprisingly little is known about her, including her lifespan and when, precisely, she held the title of Augusta. Euphemia was the daughter of Marcian (450-457), born to the emperor’s former wife before he had taken office. Marcian was hailed emperor by joint decision of the magister militum Aspar and Aelia Pulcheria, the influential sister of the former emperor Theodosius II. Out of political necessity, Pulcheria married Marcian, and when she died in July, 453, the East was without a royal lady. In 453 or 454 Marcian’s daughter Euphemia was married to Anthemius, the nobleman designated to hold the consulship of 455. This placed Anthemius in the most exalted position, and it confirmed Euphemia’s value to the machinery of state. Marcian died early in 457 without having named an heir, and though Anthemius was a logical choice, Aspar and his soldiers backed Leo I, a general of obscure Thracian origins, who ruled the East for about seventeen years. Though rulership in the East had been stabilized with the appointment of Leo I, the chaotic state of affairs in the West provided an opportunity for Euphemia and Anthemius. The barbarian Ricimer ruthlessly managed the Western Roman Empire as its magister militum from 456 to 472, and in doing so he raised and deposed a sequence of puppet emperors. In the middle of this, in 467, Ricimer had left the Western throne vacant for more than a year, and Leo I tried to remedy the situation by appointing Anthemius emperor of the West. It was a logical move, for Anthemius was not only noble, but he had experience fighting the Goths and the Huns. The chance of success was improved further when Anthemius and Euphemia offered their only daughter, Alypia, in marriage to Ricimer, and he accepted. Based upon a unique solidus of Euphemia in the Dumbarton Oaks collection, which shows the facing bust of Euphemia on the obverse and the standing figures of Euphemia and Alypia on the reverse, some have speculated that mother and daughter were both hailed Augusta in 467, either before they left Constantinople or once they arrived in Italy. The royal family of Anthemius, Euphemia and Alypia lived in the West for five restive years (467-472), during which Anthemius was unable to gain the support of the locals, to rein in Ricimer, or counter the Visigothic expansion in Gaul. To make matters worse, not long after Anthemius had arrived in Italy the Romans lost a 1,100-ship armada to Vandal saboteurs. All of this spelled doom for Anthemius, who was overthrown and beheaded in 472 after withstanding a three-month siege of Rome. The fates of Euphemia and Alypia are not known. The fact that the subsequent lives of Euphemia’s four sons are known (two became prominent, two died before they could achieve anything of note) has little bearing since they were young and may have remained in Constantinople when the rest of their family went west.

NAC40, 914

Tiberius II Constantine. 578-582. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.52 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 6th officina. CONSTANT A CC ЧIЧ FЄLIX, crowned facing bust wearing consular robes, holding mappa in right hand and eagle and cross tipped scepter in left / ЧICTOR TI bЄRI AЧς, cross potent set on four pelleted steps; ς//CONOB. DOC 2; MIBE 2; SB 420. EF, toned, minor marks. Extremely rare variety with pelleted steps.

Ex Moneta Imperii Romani Byzantini Collection (Stack’s, 12 January 2009), lot 3107; Leu 36 (7 May 1985), lot 373.

CNGTRITONXVII, 830

The work in progress on my 1:18 scale articulated sculpt of MGS4 Raiden. The frame is a reduced microman body using Aves FIXIT for my sculpting material. Am preparing to continue working on the ams and legs. Still trying to figure out how to incorporate the clear pieces...the blade is out of to parts, mended together and will be sanded to appear as a one piece blade.

The Roman Empire

Helena, mother of Constantine

d=20 mm

Solidus, Nicomedia 324-325, AV 4.45 g. FL HELENA – AVGVSTA Diademed and draped bust r., wearing double pearl necklace. Rev. SECVRITAS – REIPVBLICAE Securitas standing l., lowering branch in r. hand and raising robe with l.; in exergue, SMNG. RIC 80. C 11. Depeyrot 35/4. Alföldi 465.

Extremely rare and among the finest specimens known. An attractive portrait well-centered, extremely fine

Ex NFA sale XXII, 1989, 133. From the A. Moretti collection.

Helena’s legacy evolved dramatically over the centuries that followed her death. There can be no doubt of her humble origins, of her abandonment by Constantius "Chlorus", and of her exalted position in the court of her son Constantine, who Eusebius tells us was responsible for his mother’s conversion to Christianity. All of these points are supported by contemporary source materials. The fanciful elements of Helena’s legacy only begin to take form many decades after her death, by which time she was being credited with the discovery (inventio) of the True Cross during her visit to the Holy Land in c. 327. There is good, contemporary evidence for her visit to the Holy Land and for the excavation of the True Cross either during the lifetime of Constantine or soon afterward, but these separate events became melded in the later 4th Century. No source close to Helena’s lifetime credits her with the discovery of the Cross. The account of the Pilgrim of Bordeaux, who visited the Holy Land in 333, does not record the discovery of the cross nor does it mention Helena; nor does Eusebius of Caesarea, who wrote his glowing biography of Constantine soon after the emperor’s death in 337. Cyril of Jerusalem, in c. 351, was aware of the remains of the Cross, but he does not credit Helena with the discovery. Equally valuable is the silence of Julian II (360-363), who ridicules Christians for worshipping the Cross, yet he does not demean Helena in connection with it; since Julian would have availed himself of any opportunity to disgrace his "wicked stepmother" we must presume that during his lifetime it was not commonly believed that Helena discovered the Cross. The pilgrim Egeria, who visited Jerusalem in c. 380/384 describes the celebrations in Jerusalem relating to the discovery of the Cross, yet she does not mention Helena in connection. Even some major sources of later date, including St. John Chrysostom and Jerome, fail to identify Helena as discoverer of the Cross. However, at least by c. 390, when Gelasius of Caesarea was writing his now lost Ecclesiastical History, the discovery of the Cross was fully developed as a legend. The first surviving sources to credit Helena with the discovery were Ambrose of Milan (De obitu Theod. 40-49) in 395 and Rufinus of Aquileia (Hist. Eccl. 10.7-8). With the passage of time the details of Helena’s fanciful inventio were further embellished in the accounts of Paulinus of Nola (Epist. 31.4-5), Socrates (Hist. Eccl. 1.17 PG 67, 117ff.), Sozomen (Hist. Eccl. 2.1-2), Theodoret (Hist. Eccl. 1.18), Sulpicius Severus (Chron. 2.22-34) and others.

NAC38, 236

"We're losing our place in a world that no longer needs us. A world that now spurns our very existence. You should know that as well as I do. After I launch this weapon and get our billion dollars, we'll be able to bring chaos and honor back to this world gone soft."

— Liquid Snake

Liquid Snake, commonly referred to as Liquid, was the former squad commander of High-Tech Special Forces Unit FOXHOUND, and the twin brother of Solid Snake.

Liquid was one of the "Sons of Big Boss," created as part of the Les Enfants Terribles project, along with his clone brothers, Solid Snake and Solidus Snake. Liquid was led to believe that he was created in order to express Big Boss's recessive genetic traits, and as such, was "inferior" to Solid Snake. Because of this, he held a strong resentment towards his twin brother, who supposedly expressed "superior" genes, and wished to defeat him in combat, reclaiming what he felt was his birthright, and thus proving his superiority.

Possessing an IQ of 180, Liquid spoke seven languages fluently, including English, Spanish, French, Malay, and Arabic, the last of which he spoke like a native. His main language, English, was also spoken with an English accent of the Received Pronunciation dialect. He was almost an exact double of Solid Snake in terms of appearance, with the only distinguishable feature being his darker skin tone and fair hair color. He also had a tattoo on his left arm, which resembled the Rod of Asclepius, but with a sword in its place and with the words "Temptation Revelation."

Heraclius, with Heraclius Constantine. 610-641. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.51 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 5th officina. Struck late January 613. dd NN hЄRACLIЧS Єτ hЄ[RA CONS]τ, draped facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine, wearing crowns topped with trefoils; cross between / VICTORIA AVςЧ, cross potent set on three steps; I to right; Є//CONOB. Bendall, “The First Constantinopolitan Solidus of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine,” in SM 157 (February 1990), pp. 6-7, fig. 1-2 (this coin); DOC –; MIB –; SB –; CNG 26, lot 637 (same dies). EF, minor area of weak strike. Extremely rare – one of two known.

This extremely rare first issue of Heraclius with Heraclius Constantine is known from only two specimens. The unusual trefoil crown is similar to that found on folles of Heraclius dated RY 3, struck from October 612 to shortly after the coronation of Heraclius Constantine in late January 613.

CNGTRITONXVII, 840

New skin from Addict ^^ Courtesy of Takuma Setsuko. Nice work, mate :)

polona.pl/item/52212659/63/ Tytuł alternatywny:

Znane także jako: Psalterium trilingue

Data powstania dokumentu:

[ca 1395-ca 1405]

Adres wydawniczy:

[Polska], [ca 1395-ca 1405]

Opis fizyczny:

III, 298 k. : ilum. ; 32x22,5 cm

Język:

łaciński

Gatunek:

rękopisy łacińskie

rękopisy polskie

rękopisy niemieckie

Literatura:

Psałterz Florjański łacińsko-polsko-niemiecki : rękopis Biblioteki Narodowej w Warszawie / wyd. Ryszard Ganszyniec, Witold Taszycki, Stefan Kubica ; studja o oprawie i piśmie Psałterza napisał Aleksander Birkenmajer, o minjaturach Władysław Podlacha ; staraniem i pod red. Ludwika Bernackiego. - Lwów, 1939 (wydanie krytyczne).

Geneza i historia Psałterza Florjańskiego / uwagi o części niemieckiej Psałterza podał Adam Kleczkowski ; minjatury kodeksu omówił Władysław Podlacha. Lwów, 1927 (praca zbiorowa).

Psałterz floriański : kilka uwag z powodu nowego wydania zabytku / Mieczysław Gębarowicz. - Lwów, 1939.

Psalterz królowej Małgorzaty pierwszej małżonki Ludwika I króla polskiego i węgierskiego / S. Dunin-Borkowski. - Wiedeń, 1934.

Psałterz floriański i jego geneza / Mieczysław Gębarowicz. - Wrocław, 1965.

Psałterz floriański : monografia językowa. Cz. 1, Ortografia, fonetyka, fleksja imion / Maria Kamińska. - Wrocław, 1981.

Die Deutsche Sprache des Florianer Psalters : ein Versuch / Stefan Kubica. - Poznań, 1929.

Język niemiecki Psałterza Floriańskiego : wokalizm i konsonantyzm / Stefan Kubica. - Poznań, 1966.

Przegląd najdawniejszych pomników języka polskiego / sporządził Konstanty Małkowski. - Warszawa, 1872 s.5-21, Pod rps.1074.

Psałterz Floriański / B. Miodońska, [w:] Sztuka w Krakowie w latach 1350 - 1530. Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie. Wystawa urządzona w sześćsetną rocznicę założenia UJ, Kraków, 1964 poz 88, s. 92 -94.

Iter Florianense : o Psałterzu Floryańskim, łacińsko-polsko-niemieckim, w szczególności o polskim jego dziale / napisał W. Nehring. - Poznań, 1871.

Miniatury Psałterza Floriańskiego / W. Podlacha, "Sprawozdania Towazystwa Naukowego we Lwowie' VIII, 1928 s.7-8.

Psałterz floriański a tak zwana Karta medycka czyli Świdzińskiego / Stanisław Rospond. - Wrocław, 1953.

Tajemnice dekoracji Psałterza Floriańskiego : z dziejów średniowiecznej koncepcji Uniwersum / Ewa Śnieżyńska-Stolot. - Warszawa, 1992.

Inwentarz rękopisów do połowy XVI w. (2012) s. 110.

Uwagi:

Pismo: trzech rąk, w dwóch kolumnach, liczne zdobienia figuralne, floratura, drolerie.

Oprawa: deski, skóra; 1564. Deski pokryte białą świńską skórą ze ślepymi tłoczeniami, na rogach mosiężne okucia. Na przedniej i tylnej okładzinie taki sam ozdobny wzór tłoczony ślepo za pomocą strychulca, trzech radełek i dwóch pojedyńczych tłoków. Kompozycja składa się z szerokiej ramy i prostokątnego zwierciadła wypełnionego pionowymi tłokami. 7 zwiezów, skrajne zwięzy zostały sztucznie sporządzone przez introligatora i są one o połowę ciensze od zwiezów "rzeczywistych". "Fałszywe " kapitałki są biało - niebieskie, blok równo przycięty o zaokrąglonych kantach. Po obu stronach okładzin w każdym z rogów umieszczono metalowe okucia o kształcie trójkątów równobocznych, puncowane i ozdobione półokrągłymi guzami. Rękopis spinają dwie klamry ozdobione prostym geometrycznym wzorem. Klamry i okucia dobrze zachowane.

Składki: 1) k.1-6 [4+3]; 2) 2-19 k.7-150 [4+4] 3) 20 k.151-156 [3+3]; 4) 21 k.157-164 [4+4]; 5) 22 k.165-170 [3+3]; 5) 23-25 k.171-194 [4+4]; 6) 26-28 k.195-224 [5+5]; 7) 29 k.225-236 [6+6]; 8) 30-35 k.237-296 [5+5]. Łącznie 35 składek.

Proweniencja:

Proweniencja: klasztor kanoników regularnych? (Kłodzko) ; klasztor kanoników regularnych? (Kraków); Bartholomeus Siess ; klasztor kanoników regularnych (Sankt Florian). Odkryty w 1827 w opactwie Kanoników regularnych Św Floriana koło Linzu. Od 1931 roku własność BN. Na zewnetrznej stronie przedniej okładziny w lewym górnym rogu papierowa wyklejka z napisem "III 206". Na kartach dodanych ponumerowanych kolorem czerwonym nastepujące napisy i pieczęcie: na karcie 1r od góry nieczytelny napis ...... pod spodem inną reką "Bartholomeus Siess me possidet anno 157... Emptus ab italico negociatore septem solidus" i pod tym inną ręką "Psalterius istud 16 psalmis excedit reliqua exemplaria", nizej napisy ołówkiem "Ks. Wpływ. N 1582" i niewyraźny numer 1197, k.1v na górze wytarty napis "Ioannis de ...cz... aliis", w lewym dolnym rogu napis tuszem "III 206" i pieczęć owalna z napisem w środku "Bibliothek des reg. Chorherrenstifes St. Florian."; k. 2r na górze napis ołówkiem "1866/825", na dole wspomniana pieczeć, k. 2v na górze napis ołówkiem "1866/825", k. 3r na dole wspomniana pieczęć owalna. Na kartach o zasadniczej numeracji oznaczonych kolorem czarnym, bądż ołówkiem: 1r pieczęc okrągła w środku z herbem opactwa kanoników regularnych św Floriana koło Linzu (SPR) na otoku z napisem "Ad Bibliothecam Sancti Floriani", na dole karty 296v wspomniana pieczęć owalna z napisem "Bibliothek des reg. Chorherrenstifes St. Florian.". Na tylnych kartach ochronnych ponumerowanych na czerwono i dodatkowo ołówkiem zgodnie z numeracją ciągłą - 1r czerwone (297r) i 2r czerwone (298r) wspomniana pieczęć owalna. Na wewnętrznej stronie tylnej okładziny w prawym dolnym rogu napis ołówkiem "Ks. Wpływ. N 1582".

Sygnatura:

Rps 8002 III

Prawa:

Domena Publiczna. Wolno zwielokrotniać, zmieniać i rozpowszechniać oraz wykonywać utwór, nawet w celach komercyjnych, bez konieczności pytania o zgodę.

Źródło:

Biblioteka Narodowa

Rekord bibliograficzny:

zobacz w katalogu

Valens AD 364-378

AV Solidus

Mint Antioch

Officina Z

Struck AD 364-367

Wt. 4.41g

RIC-2(d)

(unlisted variety)

Ricimer. Patrician and Master of Soldiers, AD 457-472. AV Solidus (4.38 g, 5h). In the name of Leo I. Rome mint. Struck AD 465-467. D N LEO PERPE-TVVS AVC, rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / VICTOR-IA AVCCC, Leo standing facing, holding long cross in right hand, Victory on globe in left, his right foot on head of human-headed serpent; R-M//COMOB. RIC X 2518 (Leo I); Lacam 5 (same rev. die); Depeyrot 52/2 (under Libius Severus). EF, lustrous, slight striking weakness. Extremely rare.

Ricimer was a half-Suevi, half-Visigoth who came to prominence serving under the emperor Valentinian III. By the end of Valentinian's reign, Ricimer had achieved the rank of comes, and was one of the two commanders of the army in Italy (the future emperor Majorian was the other). During the rule of Avitus, Ricimer distinguished himself by defeating a large fleet of the Vandals near Corsica in AD 455 or 456. The ineptitude of Avitus' rule in Rome provided the opportunity for Ricimer to propel himself to the forefront of political power in Italy. After the Vandal threat had abated, there was a famine in Rome leading to civil unrest that eventually escalated into a military revolt led by Majorian and Ricimer. The revolt was successful, and Avitus was deposed in AD 456. Events at the time in the east, however, pre-empted the nomination of a new emperor in the West, and neither Majorian nor Ricimer immediately sought the nomination, although both were de facto rulers in Italy. The following year, though, Majorian was proclaimed emperor by his troops, perhaps due to a victory led by one of his commanders against a sizable Alamanni raid in northern Italy. For much of Majorian's rule, although Ricimer was practically his co-emperor, the two cooperated amicably. In AD 461, however, Ricimer killed his colleague, and proclaimed Libius Severus as the new emperor. The reason for this turn-about is unclear, but it occurred in the wake of a failed campaign led by Majorian in Spain. Little is known of the period of Severus' rule, but he apparently died of natural causes in AD 465. Following Severus' death, for over a year, Ricimer ruled in Italy without an emperor. Eventually the emperor in the east, Leo I, elevated Procopius Anthemius to emperor, and sent him to deal with a new threat arising from the Vandals. Ricimer initially supported the eastern candidate, an alliance that was solidified through the marriage of Ricimer to Anthemius' daughter, Alypia. The failure of the campaigns against the Vandals in AD 468 and the Visigoths in AD 469 and 471, however, strained their relationship, and the final breach occurred when Anthemius had Ricimer's close associate, Romanus, executed on suspicion of treachery. Civil war broke out, and lasted until Anthemius was killed in AD 472, after which time (or perhaps just before), Ricimer promoted Olybrius as emperor in the west. By this time the years of warfare must have weighed heavily upon Ricimer, and although we are uncertain of his age at the time, he must have been in his later years. Shortly after this latest success in his long career, Ricimer died, apparently of natural causes.

All of the coinage struck at the Italian mints during the interregnum in the West of AD 465-467 is assigned to Ricimer, who wielded supreme power in Italy during that time.

CNGTriton11, 1049

Justin I & Justinian I. 527. AV Solidus (22mm, 4.46 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. D N IVSTINV ЄT IVSTINIAN P P AVC, Justin and Justinian seated facing on throne with lyre back, holding globes; cross above; CONOB / VICTORI A AVCCC, angel standing facing. holding jeweled cross in right hand and globus cruciger in left; star to right; Δ//CONOB. DOC 7 var. (officina); MIBE 3b; Metcalf, Joint – (C2/– [unlisted rev. die]); SB 122. EF, lustrous. Rare.

CNGTRITONXVII, 824

Aelia Verina, wife of Leo I

Solidus, Constantinopolis 471 or 473, AV 4.39 g. AEL VERI – NA AVG Pearl-diademed and draped bust r., wearing necklace and earrings, crowned by the Hand of God. Rev. VICTOR – IA AVGGG Victory standing l., supporting long jewelled cross; in field r., star. In exergue, CONOB. RIC 631. MIRB 4a. LRC 593. Depeyrot 93/2.Extremely rare. Virtually as struck and Fdc

As the wife of Leo I and the mother-in-law of his successor Zeno, Aelia Verina held the title of Augusta for nearly the last three decades of her life. We have relatively detailed accounts of her machinations from 474 onward, and considering all of the power plays being made at court during Leo’s reign, we might presume she was deeply involved in the intrigues.

When her husband Leo I was ailing in 473, Verina helped arrange his adoption of their six-year-old grandson, Leo II, as successor rather than their son-in-law Zeno, a healthy man in his mid-30s with significant military experience. Despite his ideal qualifications, Zeno was not well liked, a feeling that Leo and Verina must have shared. The child Leo II was first raised to Caesar in October, 473, and finally to Augustus in January, 474, less than a month before his grandfather died.

The saga continued when the already fragile health of Leo II began to fail and it was necessary on February 9, 474, to have the boy proclaim his own father, Zeno, his co-emperor. When Leo II died in November, the cause of his demise must have been the fodder of palace gossip. Zeno was now sole emperor, and this displeased his mother-in-law Verina so much that she caused a false rumour to be spread of an impending palace coup, upon which she recommended that Zeno and Ariadne flee Constantinople for their own safety.

Verina now hoped to get her lover, the magister officorum Patricius, installed as emperor, but she met unexpected resistance in the senate which instead hailed emperor her brother Basiliscus. Thus, after her initial plot against her son-in-law, Verina now plotted against her brother, who responded by executing her lover Patricius. Once again, Roman history proves truth is stranger than fiction.

The old empress was forced into hiding as she worked for the return of Zeno as the lesser of two evils. Once Zeno recovered his throne from Basiliscus, Verina still devoted the rest of her life to undermining Zeno, which resulted in her exile to a fortress in the wilds of Isauria. Two of her counter-revolutionary efforts included backing a coup in 479 in the name of her other son-in-law, an ambitious young nobleman named Marcian, and her support of the rebellion of Leontius in 484.

Verina’s coins are rare today, but the must have been issued in some quantity at the time. Her solidi, tremisses and Æ2s all bear her profile portrait, and she is also portrayed on some of Leo’s smallest bronzes as a standing figure flanked by the letters bE, representing the Greek version of her name, Berina.

The date of the present solidus is not certainly known. Kent, Grierson and Mays all describe it as an issue under her husband’s successor Zeno, with Kent suggesting it may have been struck in 462 or 466, two of the five occasions on which Leo I held the consulship.

NAC46, 749

Théodose II 402-450.

Solidus 416 ou 418, Constantinople. D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG. Buste consulaire de face de Théodose, diadémé, vêtu du loros, présentant de la main droite la mappa et portant à l’épaule gauche un sceptre crucigère / SECVRITAS RE-IPVBLICAE Théodose nimbé, revêtu de la pourpre impériale, assis de face sur une chaise curule, tenant dans la main droite la mappa et tenant de la gauche un sceptre crucigère; dans le champ gauche, une étoile; à l'exergue, CONOB. 4,48g. Cf. RIC 208 (buste à gauche) ; cf. LRC 347 (buste à gauche).

Unique. Un document numismatique et iconographique de la plus grande importance. Superbe exemplaire.

Exemplaire provenant de la collection J. J. Grano et de la vente NGSA II (2002), 142 (pièce de couverture).

NGSA8, 195

Crispus César 317-326.

Solidus 324, Nicomédie. FL IVL CRIS-PVS NOB CAES Buste lauré et cuirassé de Crispus à gauche, vu de dos, tenant une lance et un bouclier / CONCOR-D-I-A AVGG NN La Concorde assise à gauche, tenant un caducée et une corne d'abondance; à l'exergue SMN. 4,44g. C. 56 var.; RIC VII 610, 59 (cet exemplaire mentionné).

Un chef d'œuvre de l'art romain. Superbe exemplaire.

Collection Biaggi 2053. Exemplaire provenant des collections Vierordt, vente Schulman (05.03.1923), 2694 et Mazzini planche XXXI, 56.

NGSA8, 143

The financial crisis in Europe has a lot of people talking about Greek currency these days, but coins have been used to make political statements for years! Let's take a look at some ancient coins in our Grainger Hall of Gems.

Top: Greek stater w/ Alexander the Great (336–323 BC); Middle: Macedonian stater w/ Philippus II (250 AD); Bottom: ring w/ Roman gold solidus (364-375 AD).

FMNH A259779, A259780, A239056.

(c) The Field Museum, Division of Anthropology

Constans, 337 – 350

Solidus, Siscia 337-340, AV 4.51 g. FL IVL CONS – TANS P F AVG Laurel and rosette-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. FELICI – TAS – PE – RPETVA Constantine II nimbate and enthroned facing rasing r. hand in benediction; inscribed on his footstool, VOT V. Facing him at his sides, Constantius II and Constans; both enthroned, diademed and holding mappa. In exergue, SIS*. C 27. Depeyrot 4/1. RIC 18a.

Extremely rare and a very interesting reverse composition. A graffito on obverse field and

an almost invisible nick on neck, otherwise good extremely fine

NAC75, 325

The Roman Empire

Valentinian III, 425 – 455

d=29 mm

Medallion of 2 solidi, Constantinopolis 435, 8.96 g. DN VALENTIN – IANVS P F AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. GLORIA R – O – MANORVM Helmeted figures of Roma and Constantinopolis seated facing. Roma on l., with head facing, holds Victory on globe in r. hand and spear in l.; Constantinopolis on r., head turned to l., r. foot on prow, holds Victory on globe in r. hand and long sceptre in l.; above cross. In field l., star. In exergue, CONOB. RIC –, cf. 216=LRC 377=MIRB 2 (the unique medallion of 2 solidi of Theodosius II, with the same reverse).

Apparently unique and unpublished and only the third gold medallion known for

this emperor. An impressive medallion with an appealing reverse composition.

Minor areas of weakness, otherwise virtually as struck and almost Fdc

Ex NAC sale 21, 2001, 601.

This extraordinary novum is not only important in itself, it also allows us to far better understand the chronology of the unique multiples of Theodosius II: a 4 1/2 solidus in Sofia, a 2 solidus and an aureus (both now in Dumbarton Oaks; RIC 215-217). On the basis of their bearded busts of Theodosius, and their close stylistic relations, Kent considers that all three formed part of the same issue, and, on p. 85, places them in the general period of Theodosius II in 430, so the date can be narrowed down even further. Hahn, p. 21 dates them to 430, as do Grierson & Mays, in their case based on the connection to the bearded bust on the consular solidus of 430 (RIC 254). In fact, similar busts appear on consular solidi issued in 435 (RIC 266), 439 (RIC 268) and 444 (utilising the same obverse die as the issue of 439), so the date really can only be narrowed down to the period 430–44 (430–435) seems even more likely given the closer stylistic parallels between the portrait on the multiples with those of the consular solidi of those years. In resolving this question, the appearance of Valentinian II on a multiple issued by his senior colleague Theodosius II is a great help, since it can only have occurred for a very important reason. It is perfectly clear that this multiple must be part of the same issue as those of Theodosius II since the way the bust is treated on this piece is the same as that of the Sofia example. Our coin obviously cannot be earlier than 430 (the bearded bust of Theodosius II first appears then), and it seems unlikely to be as late as 439 or 444 (those bearded busts of Theodosius II seem later than those on his multiples). The year 435 seems most likely: in that year Theodosius II celebrated his 15th consulship and his 7th quinquennalia, and Valentinian III celebrated both his 4th consulship (held jointly with his cousin) and his decennalia (otherwise they only held joint consulships in 425, 426 and 430). Not only were these all significant events deserving of commemoration, the appearance of Valentinian III on a multiple of that year would emphasise his status as Theodosius II's prospective son-in-law, as preparations had surely begun for the marriage which would take place in October 437.

NAC34, 112

Leo I and Patricius, son of Aspar, Magister Militum, 470-471

d=19 mm

Solidus, Constantinople circa 470-471 or 474, AV 4.48 g. D N LEO PE – RPET AVG Helmeted, pearl-diademed and cuirassed bust facing three-quarter r., holding spear and shield decorated with horseman and enemy motif. Rev. SALVS REI – PVBLICAE C Emperor, nimbate and with imperial mantle, standing on step facing, holding globus cruciger; in field r., star. In exergue, CONOB. RIC 801 (Leo II) (these dies). MIRB 11a (Leo I). LRC 532 (Leo I and P.). Dep. 91/1 (Leo I).

Excessively rare, only the seventh specimen known. An enigmatic issue of the greatest

historical interest and fascination. Good extremely fine

This issue of solidi has long puzzled scholars, who still disagree on its attribution. Whether the figure on the reverse is Patricius or Leo II, it was struck to herald a major change in the dynastic landscape. This issue likely represents the only time that Caesar Patricius appears on coinage, or it is an issue of Leo II struck during the brief period when he served as a conduit between the substantial reigns of Leo I and Zeno. Disagreements among scholars largely hinge on two aspects: first, is the "C" at the end of the reverse inscription an abbreviation for Caesar ?; second, does the fact that the standing figure is diademed eliminate the possibility he was a Caesar? Grierson and Mays, authors of the Dumbarton Oaks catalogue of Late Roman coins, believe the terminal "C" abbreviates Caesar, and they express no doubt that a Caesar could be shown diademed. Kent, in RIC X, takes the opposite view on both points, and prefers to see the "C" as an immobilization of the last letter of the familiar inscription AVGGG. With these opinions considered, Grierson and Mays attribute this solidus to 470-471, when Leo I bestowed the rank of Caesar upon Patricius, the eldest son of his general Aspar. Kent attributes it to January/February, 474, when Leo II briefly reigned as sole Augustus just after the death of Leo I. To these two views we should add a strong third possibility: it may have been struck from October, 473 to January, 474, when Leo I was Augustus and Leo II was Caesar. To appreciate the circumstances of such an exceptional solidus, a summary of events from 470 and 474 is needed. Throughout his long reign, Leo I (457-474) had no son to succeed him, and he had to work hard to curb the ambitions of Aspar, his German Master of Soldiers. He did this largely by recruiting rival Isaurian soldiers led by the future emperor Zeno. Leo I then allowed Zeno to marry his eldest daughter, Ariadne, in 466 or 467. In 467 they produced a son, Leo II, thus providing the elderly Leo with a legitimate male heir. However, in 470, when Zeno was away fighting the Huns, Aspar somehow convinced Leo I to raise his eldest son, Patricius, to the rank of Caesar. This shifted the balance of power from Zeno back to Aspar. When Aspar tried to complete his victory over Zeno by tempting the loyalty of the Isaurian guards, Zeno hastened to Constantinople. There, in 471, Zeno ambushed Aspar, killing him and his youngest son, and seriously wounding the new Caesar Patricius, who was deposed. Zeno and his son now had no rival. When the health of Leo I weakened in October, 473, he raised his 6-year-old grandson, Leo II, to the rank of Caesar. The boy held that title for three months until his grandfather’s health failed sharply in January, 474, at which time Leo II was hastily raised from Caesar to Augustus. Leo II reigned as co-emperor with his grandfather only a few days or weeks before Leo I died late in January or early in February, 474. Leo II was now sole emperor, but he was also young and sickly. Within days of his grandfather’s death, the boy’s grandmother persuaded him to hail his father Zeno co-emperor. This occurred on February 9, 474, and father and son remained co-emperors for nine months until Leo II died in November, 474, having served his purpose as a conduit between Leo I and Zeno.

With the complex historical record and the disagreement about the implications of the final "C" and the diadem, we must consider there are four phases when this solidus could have been struck: 1) Leo I Augustus, Patricius Caesar (470-471); 2) Leo I Augustus, Leo II Caesar (October, 473-January, 474); 3) Leo I and Leo II co-Augusti (January-January/February, 474); 4) Leo II sole Augustus (January/February-February 9, 474). Another issue of rare solidi (RIC 636-8; D.O. 533) must be considered here, as it offers a parallel to the present coin, and may even be from the same series. These solidi are identical to the present coin in all respects except their reverses depict two seated figures, who are both nimbate and diademed. Since the figure at the left is larger and holds the position of honor, it must be Leo I (Zeno is not a possibility, as he was hailed Augustus by Leo II, and would have occupied the position of lesser honour). Grierson and Mays attribute this RIC 636-8 issue to the three months when Leo I was Augustus and Leo II was Caesar. Kent believes it was struck during the very brief period when Leo I and Leo II were co-emperors (note: Kent’s catalogue dating, "473-4", seemingly is an error, as it does not support the views he expresses in the text). Since the points of disagreement concerning the present coin and the related solidi of RIC 636-8 rest upon matters that can be rationalized, but not proven, the context of these solidi will remain a mystery until, perhaps, a die study produces scientific evidence.

NAC29, 670

BYZANTINE COINS

JUSTINANUS I (AD 527 - 565)

Solidus, circa AD 539, Alexandria mint. D N IVSTINI - ANVS PP AVG. Helmeted (helmet decorated with a cross), cuirassed bust three quar-ters right, holding spear over right shoulder, shield on left shoulder decorated with horsemen device. Rv: VICTORI - A AVGGG A. Victory, wings open, standing facing, holding long cross in right hand and globus cruciger in left, eight pointed star in right field, in exergue: ALEXAOB. MIB -, MIBE -, DOC -, Sear -, Ricotti Prina -. 4,48g. Of greatest rarity. Some areas of weakness, otherwise almost mint state.

Since the demise of the Western Roman Empire the only mints striking gold for the emperor had been Constantinople and Thessalonica, with the exception of a small issue of solidi at Antioch by the usurper Leontius. The first emission of solidi for Justinian I ended in the year AD 537 and therefore this coin should have been struck up to this year. According to the the edict XI of AD 559 gold had been minted in Alexandria already since AD 539, which was understood as only in the form of gold bars and definitely not coins. The mint signature in Latin lettering ALEXA OB is interesting to note in comparison to the Greek used since Justin I on copper and on the solidi of Justin II at Alexandria. One of the reasons might be the use of dies for gold coinage prepared in Constantinople, but another possibility could be in context with the conflict between the Monophysites in Egypt and the Orthodox in Constantinople. The theory of W. Hahn (MIB 1, p. 47 and MIB 2, p. 39) and others, who excluded any gold issues from the mint of Alexandria before Justin II, now has to be reconsidered.

LANZ148, 167

Constantine I, 307 – 337

Solidus, Sirmium 323, AV 4.45 g. CONSTANTI – NVS P F AVG Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. SECVRITAS P – ERPETVA Emperor in military attire and holding sceptre, standing l. crowning trophy beneath which, cuirass and shield; in exergue, SIRM. C –. Depeyrot 7/5 var. (laureate head r. and on reverse, PERPETVAE). RIC 42 var. (laureate head r.) and note.

Rare. A pleasant portrait of fine style, virtually as struck and almost Fdc

NAC75, 323

The Roman Empire

Aelia Ariadne, wife of Zeno and Anastasius

d=15 mm

Tremissis, Constantinopolis 474-491, 1.47 g. AEL ARI – AUNE AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. Cross within wreath; beneath, CONOBà. RIC 933a var. (no star). LRC 606 (this obverse die). Tolstoj 71. Boyce, ANSMN 7, 1957, pl. XVIII, 20. MIRB Zeno 17. Vagi 3284.

Extremely rare. Good very fine

Ex Platt 1970, Longuet, 289 and Leu 22, 1979, 424 sales.

Authorities disagree about when the coins of Aelia Ariadne were struck. Grierson and Mays attribute them to the earliest possible period, the first sole reign of her first husband Zeno (474-475). Kent suggests the style of the Victory and the absence of the Manus Dei above her head on solidi places them in the second sole reign of Zeno (477-491), with the possibility that some were issued by her second husband, Anastasius I (491-518). Since her solidi and tremisses occur with a heavy bust and a slight bust, and there is a strong argument for two distinctive issues.

The high position and longevity of Ariadne is demonstrated by the fact that she was married to two long-lived Eastern emperors, Zeno (in 466/7) and Anastasius (in 491). Indeed, she survived for nearly sixty eventful years in the Imperial household in Constantinople. We further testify to her nobility by citing other relations, including her father Leo I, her son Leo II, and her uncle Basiliscus, all of whom were emperors.

When her father, the emperor Leo I, fell mortally ill in 474, Ariadne was instrumental in making the transition of power from her father to her husband Zeno (for which her son Leo II, who died young, was the instrument for the transfer). Since Ariadne was now the wife of an emperor, she was hailed Augusta late in 474, much to the dismay of her own mother Aelia Verina, who apparently did not want to share that title with anyone, not even her own daughter. Within two months Verina had fabricated a palace coup, and in doing so tricked Ariadne and Zeno to flee Constantinople in fear for their lives on January 9, 475.

Verina’s follow-up plans were not as inventive as her fabricated coup (see the commentary for lot 115, a solidus of Verina), and Ariadne and Zeno had recovered the throne by the end of summer, 476. Ariadne faced many dangers during the fifteen years that remained of her husband Zeno’s reign, and she survived his death in the spring of 491 to participate in the election of the next emperor of the East, Anastasius I, who, out of political necessity, she married after only six weeks of being a widow.

That royal wedding on May 20, 491 is celebrated by an exceedingly rare ‘marriage solidus’ of Constantinople that has a reverse similar to the one struck for the wedding of Valentinian III and Licinia Eudoxia (see lot 111). Its reverse it is inscribed FELICITER NVBTIIS and it has the same design composition except that instead of the bride’s father, it is Christ who blesses the union. Ariadne remained at the forefront of politics in the East until she died in 515 after having overseen what modern historians regard as the transition from the Roman to the Byzantine Empire.

The last tremissis of Aelia Ariadne to be offered in auction (a specimen graded very fine) has been sold by Spink on the 13th April 2000, Dressman collection, lot 377, for the considerable amount of 17’000 pounds.

NAC34, 122

The Roman Empire

Olybrius, 472

d=15 mm

Tremissis, Mediolanum 472, 1.46 g. D N ANICIVS OLVBRIVS AVG Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. Cross within wreath. RIC 3004. C 5. Mazzini 5 (these dies). Lacam 7 (these dies). Ulrich-Bansa pl. XIII, 147 (these dies). Vagi 3567. Biaggi 2385 (this coin). Depeyrot 33/1.

Of the highest rarity, only the fifth specimen of this type and the twelfth coins of

Olybrius to be known. Good very fine

Olybrius, who reigned as a puppet emperor for six or seven months in 472, was only too familiar with the troubled state of affairs in the Western Roman Empire, for he was a member of the senatorial nobility who had evacuated Rome just before it was sacked by the Vandals in 455.

Fortunately for Olybrius, he had sufficient wealth to relocate in Constantinople in high style. In addition to wealth, he had political influence, for in 462 he married Placidia the younger, the daughter of the former western emperor Valentinian III, and in 464 he held the consulship.

Whatever horrifying tales Olybrius could have told, they must have paled in comparison with those of his new teenage bride Placidia, for she had been carried off by the Vandals as booty in the sacking of Rome that Olybrius had escaped. The two were wed upon her return after the eastern emperor Leo I had negotiated her release from seven years as a hostage of king Gaiseric in Carthage.

In striking this marriage Olybrius became related to the House of Theodosius and to Gaiseric, whose son Huneric had married Placidia’s sister, Eudocia the younger. These unusual qualifications made Olybrius an obvious choice for Leo I to send to Italy in 472 as an ambassador to resolve a conflict between the magister militum Ricimer and Leo’s chosen candidate for the Western throne, Anthemius. Though the details have been garbled, the result of Olybrius’ trip was that in April, 472 he accepted Ricimer’s offer to make him emperor in place of Anthemius, who was the besieged in Rome and eventually beheaded.

However, Olybrius’ unexpected windfall quickly turned sour, for Ricimer unexpectedly died a few weeks later. Ricimer was replaced as magister militum by his nephew Gundobad, and though his relationship with Olybrius may have been stable, it hardly mattered for the new emperor died of dropsy, perhaps on November 2, 472, after having reigned about half a year.

Olybrius seems to have coined only solidi and tremisses, and they are all extremely rare, in fact only four solidi and six tremissis are listed by Lacam to which this specimen and another specimen auctioned by Leu must be added. He certainly valued his noble ancestry, for he uncharacteristically includes his full family name, ANICIVS, on all of his coins. There is debate among authorities as to the mints used to strike his coins, as none of them bear mint signatures. Kent and Lacam attribute all solidi to Rome, and divide the tremisses between Rome and Milan; Grierson and Mays agree with them on the tremisses, but divide the solidi between Rome and Ravenna.

It is noteworthy that before this tremissis only four coins of Olybrius have been offered in auction: three tremisses (Naville XI, 1925, 1055; Hirsch XXIV, 1919, 2848 and Leu 54, 1992, 341) and one solidus (Naville VII, 1924, 1023. These coins seem to be the only ones of this ruler in private hands.

NAC34, 120

SOLID

LIQUID

SOLIDUS

NAKED

OLD

Taipei, Taiwan

facebook

Denomination

solidus, 2

Description

Gold coin.(obverse) Bust of Fausta, draped, wearing imperial mantle, head, with hair waved and tied back in bun, right.

(reverse) Fausta, draped, nimbate, seated facing front on throne set on platform decorated with garlands, holding child in lap: to left, Felicitas, draped, standing front, head left, raising left hand and holding caduceus, vertical in right; to right, Pietas, draped, standing front, head left, raising right hand and holding globe in left; below on either side of platform left and right, Genius, presenting wreath to Fausta.

Less

State

Roman Empire

Authority

Ruler: Fausta

Culture/period

Roman Imperial

Date

324

Production place

Minted in: Trier (Europe,Germany,Rhineland Palatinate,Trier)

Materials

gold

Dimensions

Weight: 8.8 grammes

Die-axis: 6 o'clock

Inscriptions

Inscription Type

inscription

Inscription Position

obverse

Inscription Language

Latin

Inscription Content

FLAVIA MAXIMA FAVSTA AVGVSTA

Inscription Type

inscription

Inscription Position

reverse

Inscription Language

Latin

Inscription Content

PIETAS AVGVSTAE

Inscription Type

inscription

Inscription Position

reverse exergue

Inscription Language

Latin

Inscription Content

PTR

Bibliography

PCR 1284

RIC7 443, p.203 (type)

Crispus caesar, 317 – 326

Solidus, Antiochia 324, AV 4.42 g. FL – IVL CRISPVS NOB CAES Laureate and cuirassed bust l. with spear pointing forward and shield before chest. Rev. PRINCIPI I – VVENTVTIS Crispus, in military attire, standing r., holding globe in l. hand and transverse spear in r.; in exergue, SMAN. C 90. RIC 43. Depeyrot 39/5. Alföldi 340. Bastien, Donativa p. 78, footnote 10.

Very rare. An unusual and attractive portrait struck on a full flan,

virtually as struck and almost Fdc

Ex Leu sale 48, 1989, 427.

The execution of Crispus in 326 was a watershed moment in the reign of Constantine the Great: not only did he lose his eldest son (at the time his only realistic heir as his other three sons were merely boys), but in the aftermath he also executed his wife Fausta for what he thought to be her leading role in a grand deception. But if we dig deeper into the historical record, another possibility for Crispus’ execution emerges. In 326 Constantine was at, or was approaching, his 20th anniversary, depending on whether he counted 306 or 307 as his starting point as Augustus. There is reason to believe that, like Diocletian, Constantine had promised to abdicate after two decades of rule. His natural heir would have been Crispus, a popular young man approaching 30 years old and of proven ability. Some historians believe Constantine may have allowed the trial and execution of Crispus out of a desire – actual or subliminal – to remove him from contention for the throne. After all, his other sons were only 10 years old or younger, and if they were the only options as a replacement, Constantine would have to rule for at least another decade. Though the truth may never be known, it seems hard to believe that Crispus would have tried to seduce his stepmother, who was at least ten years his senior and was his father’s wife. Indeed, the seduction story reads more like a fictional, revisionist account, and the truth may lie in the more practical explanation. The golden statue mentioned in the previous note could apply to a guilty conscience equally well under either circumstance.

NAC52, 611

AVARS. Pseudo-Imperial coinage. AV Solidus (21mm, 4.54 g, 6h). In the name of Byantine emperors Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine (610-641). LITOΩ•-TΩIΩ (L retrograde), crowned facing busts of Heraclius, bearded, and Heraclius Constantine, with mustache; cross above / VICTOR ΛVςτZ, cross potent set on three steps; Θ//CONOB. Elemér 14 (this coin, obv. only illustrated); cf. Bóna 1-3; MIBE –. Superb EF, a few minor scratches. Extremely rare.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams. Ex A. Hess (14 June 1922), lot 246.

An unusual obverse die showing Heraclius Constantine with a prominent mustache (looking rather like whiskers!).

CNG100, 445

Philippus II Caesar, 244 – 247

Aureus 245-246, AV 4.18 g. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES Bareheaded and draped bust r. Rev. PRINCIPI I – VVENT Philip II, in military attire, standing l., holding globe in r. hand and sceptre in l. C 46. RIC 218 var. Calicó 3275 (this obverse die).

Very rare. Struck on a full flan, minor marks, otherwise extremely fine

Ex Sotheby’s 1906, Astronomer, 96; Hess-Leu 41, 1969, 444 and Leu 50, 1990, 351 sales.

Numbering among the unfortunate boy-emperors of the 3rd Century, Philip II was only about seven years old when his eponymous father hailed him Caesar early in 244. These formative years must have been traumatic for the young Caesar, as his father had come to the throne by way of a coup in Asia Minor, and upon returning to Europe he was perpetually at risk on the Danube front, where he fought hard to keep Rome's enemies at bay. Philip II held the title Caesar for slightly more than three years, during which time he had many attractive coins struck in his honour – principally silver double- denarii and brass sestertii. It is worth noting that the once-abundant aureus became increasingly rare during this period, and, as a consequence, their weight declined. The slide was considerable: the aureus of Severus Alexander (222–235) was generally struck at 50 per pound of gold, under Maximinus I (235–238) it decreased to about 55 per pound, under Balbinus and Pupienus (238) it slid further to 60 per pound, and under Gordian III (238–244) it decreased to about 65 per pound. Gordian's successors Philip I and II (244–249) reduced the aureus to a new low of 70 per pound. Although it fluctuated thereafter (often considerably: ranging from 50 to 90 per pound), this new standard was important, for it is very near the weight of the solidus, the coin introduced by Constantine the Great at 72 to the pound that remained constant into Byzantine times.

NAC59, 1112

Gold Solidus of Emperor Julian (Flavius Claudius Iulianus Augustus, 331 AD – 363 AD, reigned 361 AD - 363 AD) , Antioch. Roman, Imperial, 4th Century AD. Harvard Art Museum. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Copyright 2018, James A. Glazier.

Constantius II. Caesar (324-337)

(D) Solidus (4,43g), Antiochia (Antakya), 336-337 n. Chr. Av.: FL IVL CONSTANTIVS NOB C, Büste mit Lorbeerkranz, Drapierung und Kürass n.r. Rv.: VICTORIA - CAESAR NN / * (im l. Feld) / LXXII (im r. Feld) / S M AN • (im Abschnitt), Victoria mit Tropaeum und Palmzweig n.l. RIC 102 (dieses Exemplar erwähnt), Depeyrot 50/1 (dieses Exemplar zitiert). Kleine Druckstellen am Rd., kleine Schlagspuren und Kratzer. Gold RRR s.sch./f.vzgl.

Ex Slg. Franz Trau, Auktion Gilhofer/Ranschburg und Hess, Wien 1935, 4193.

Photo courtesy of Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH. www.hdrauch.com

Auktionshaus H. D. Rauch GmbH, Auction 98, 2015, lot 675.

Philippus II Caesar, 244 – 247

Aureus 245-246, AV 4.18 g. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES Bareheaded and draped bust r. Rev. PRINCIPI I – VVENT Philip II, in military attire, standing l., holding globe in r. hand and sceptre in l. C 46. RIC 218 var. Calicó 3275 (this obverse die). Very rare. Struck on a full flan, minor marks, otherwise extremely fine.

Provenance:

- Sotheby’s 1906, Astronomer, 96.

- Hess-Leu 41, 1969, 444.

- Bank Leu 50, 1990, 351 sales.

Numbering among the unfortunate boy-emperors of the 3rd Century, Philip II was only about seven years old when his eponymous father hailed him Caesar early in 244. These formative years must have been traumatic for the young Caesar, as his father had come to the throne by way of a coup in Asia Minor, and upon returning to Europe he was perpetually at risk on the Danube front, where he fought hard to keep Rome's enemies at bay. Philip II held the title Caesar for slightly more than three years, during which time he had many attractive coins struck in his honour – principally silver double- denarii and brass sestertii. It is worth noting that the once-abundant aureus became increasingly rare during this period, and, as a consequence, their weight declined. The slide was considerable: the aureus of Severus Alexander (222–235) was generally struck at 50 per pound of gold, under Maximinus I (235–238) it decreased to about 55 per pound, under Balbinus and Pupienus (238) it slid further to 60 per pound, and under Gordian III (238–244) it decreased to about 65 per pound. Gordian's successors Philip I and II (244–249) reduced the aureus to a new low of 70 per pound. Although it fluctuated thereafter (often considerably: ranging from 50 to 90 per pound), this new standard was important, for it is very near the weight of the solidus, the coin introduced by Constantine the Great at 72 to the pound that remained constant into Byzantine times.

NUMISMATICA ARS CLASSICA NAC AG, Auction 59, lot 1112.